The stunned Massachusetts wrestling community is grieving the loss of undefeated Billerica wrestling legend Kenny Anderson, 29, who died unexpectedly Sunday in New Orleans.
A three-time state champion, Anderson was 46-0 and won the New England title at 119 pounds in 2008. He was inducted into the State Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2011. In college, he won three NCAA individual titles.
“He was a world-class athlete,” former Billerica athletic director Dave Lezenski said Monday. “He took the program on his shoulders, and he let people nationwide know there were kids from Massachusetts who could wrestle, too.
“It’s just terrible, just tragic,” Lezenski added. “He was ready to give back to the sport he loves and educate student-athletes.”
Anderson taught physical education to middle and high school students at New Orleans’ Holy Cross School, and he was a new coach for the school’s wrestling team.
“Holy Cross School is saddened to learn of the unexpected passing of one of our faculty members, Mr. Kenny Anderson, this past weekend,” Principal Eric DesOrmeaux said in a statement.
“He will be greatly missed, and we are asking members of our school community to pray for Kenny’s family during this difficult time,” the principal added.
Anderson’s family members did not comment Monday. New Orleans officials did not immediately release a cause of death.
Anderson’s work ethic and dedication consistently stood out, recalled Billerica Memorial High School wrestling coach Bob Belanger.
“He was always committed, and it’s why he became a legend,” Belanger said. “He was going to give back and kids would benefit from him. It’s very sad. His life was too short.”
Lowell’s Doughboy Wrestling Club posted on Facebook, “We love you Kenny. One of the first and one of the best to come through! Never understand why we lose people at a young age. They better be ready for you in heaven. You always rose to the occasion and never backed down. Rest easy Champ!”
After high school, Anderson went on to wrestle at Iowa’s Wartburg College, where he won three NCAA individual titles, in 2012, 2013 and 2014, and helped the Knights win three NCAA team titles. A captain of the 2013-14 team, Anderson lost just three matches in his career.
“The entire Wartburg Wrestling family is shocked and heartbroken over the news of Kenny Anderson’s passing,” the school said in a release. “Kenny was one of our greats (3x NCAA Champion) and one of the fiercest competitors to put on our singlet.
“We send our deepest prayers and sincerest thoughts to his family, his friends, and the entire wrestling community. He will be greatly missed and his time with our program treasured and never forgotten.”
Iowa resident Braxton Chicchelly met Anderson during his freshman year at Wartburg.
“Right from the beginning, I knew there was something special about him,” Chicchelly said. “He didn’t care who you were, what you had, where you came from. He was just a nice person, and his energy and personality was just addictive. You wanted to be around him.”
Anderson on the wrestling mat was “tenacious, a fierce competitor who was hungry,” Chicchelly said.
They wrestled one another at practice.
“He had a nasty scissor lock. You just weren’t getting out of it,” Chicchelly said. “He wasn’t fun to wrestle, but at the same time, he wanted you to learn and grow. That’s who he was.”
Danny Ventura contributed to this report.
